The album of recovery

Motion City Soundtrack is considered one of the best bands in the "emo" scene due to the pop culture-laden lyrics and synth-pop sound they crafted so perfectly on their debut I Am the Movie. Behind its quirky veneer is frontman Justin Pierre's battle with substance abuse, which he finally conquered during the recording of their third album, Even If It Kills Me.\nWith that fitting title, MCS has created its most personal material to date, and the results are tremendous. The group has made the logical progression from their previous release, and while the 13 tracks display a man fighting off major demons, it's not a depressing listen.\nThe band is at its best when it's not trying to recreate old music and instead dials it back for more piano-led tracks. "Last Night" is an ideal example of this, as Pierre croons, "The truth is I'm too tired to play pretend" over the twinkling guitars. \n"Hello Helicopter" combines both old and new to generate a fantastic track. The song opens with Pierre whispering over a soft piano until the guitars drive the verses in their typical foot-tapping fashion. The synth laces the final minute as gang vocals assist Pierre to ask, "Are we ever going to get it right? / Are we ever going to start making sense?"\nWhen MCS does return to its light-heartedness, there are standout moments, including the single "This Is For Real," which features surprisingly upbeat lyrics about "coming clean," as Pierre looks for light at the end of the tunnel.\nThe closing title track is the most optimistic song of the album and wraps up Pierre's feelings about overcoming his addiction. All the struggles from the previous 12 tracks are wiped away, and Pierre is finally hopeful as he sings, "For the first time in a long time I can say that I want to try to get better."\nEven If It Kills Me is a beautifully personal album that is not only the best release of the Motion City Soundtrack's career but also the best album in the pop-punk scene this year.